Creasing and smile lines PLEASE HELP!

I have this problem too! My foundation (EL double wear) will sink into my laugh lines if I put more than one very sheer layer on 🙁 And that’s with a smoothing primer, powder and a setting spray over the top! I try to use foundation sparingly on the area around my nose/mouth where my lines are and then use concealer where necessary so that I don’t have thick layers on top of my skin. I also check my makeup throughout the day and pat the foundation with my fingers to smooth out the lines.

It still creased… I should I use primer in just that spot, can I do that?

I am 16 and I do have dry skin… I will try not setting them with a powder today…

I find powder is the worst thing for emphasising or settling into lines and wrinkles.

Moisture is your friend, so make sure these areas are well hydrated, use moisture-rich foundations (or even mix some moisturiser with your current foundation) and stay away from powder in these areas. I avoid powder totally, but then again I have dry skin and am approaching middle-age. Using a light touch with foundation in these areas also helps.

I agree with Petal, if you are young, these may not even really be wrinkles – it’s probably just the lines everyone has when they smile etc, and you don’t really need to worry about them.

Daniella.a, what type of foundation are you using at the moment that’s giving you problems? Are you using a primer?

I have dry and mature skin and many liquid foundations accentuate flaky patches, minor flaws and wrinkles – at least close up in my makeup mirror. If you have dry skin, one of the best things that you can do is to apply foundation with a damp blending sponge to minimise flaws, cakiness etc.

Have you tried wearing liquid foundation without a powder over it? If your skin is dry, powder often makes your face look more cakey and it can accentuate wrinkles. If you want to do this, then it’s best to use a foundation that doesn’t slide around your face – something like Estee Lauder Double Wear (applied with a blending sponge).

If you live near a MAC counter, ask them for a sample of MAC Face and Body Foundation. Makeup artists love this because it is close to what real skin looks like. I’ve tried a sample of it and it didn’t accentuate minor flaws as much as other foundations. It is very light coverage but it’s also buildable.

Another option is to wear only 100% mineral powder without any fillers.

If you have good skin, you can just use a concealer to conceal minor blemishes and leave the rest of your skin free of foundation or try a tinted moisturiser/BB cream.

Don’t give up. Keep experimenting with different application methods and foundations. Eventually you’ll find something that works.

If you don’t mind a more matte, more “done” finish, you could try baking your makeup with loose powder. It’s the only way I can get any kind of foundation set enough to stay out of my lines. It’s not really a great everyday look though, in my opinion. Otherwise I just keep patting these areas to re-blend product as needed. Or I just wear concealer on blemishes and age spots and have bare skin in the areas that are lined.

Have you tried a blur product? There are quite a few brands with them now, works well for me.

I’m very glad you’re laughing and smiling enough for this to be an issue for you!

Under eyes a setting powder will help. I use a separate brush for my under eye powder to put a bit more down than the rest of my face. Usually a big fluffy eyeshadow brush works a charm.

Have you considered trying a setting spray? NYX has one I like for a very reasonable price though I recently got given a sample of the Urban Decay one and it’s awesome too!

The only other thing I can think of is switching from a creamy foundation to one that sets like Revlon Colorstay, Estee Lauder Double Wear, MAC Pro Longwear, Kat Von D Tattoo Foundation, or YSL Ink. All of these dry rather than staying creamy and so might go better for you. MAC are very generous with samples so maybe drop by a counter and give it a try!